North to South India: The Taj Mahal & Goa Good Times

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!

Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TrainDelhi – Āgra2h-3h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Each ticket corresponds to an assigned seat. If the group travels on the early morning train, a basic, local breakfast will be served.

Taj Mahal Guided TourTāj Mahal1h-3h
We will aim to experience the Taj Mahal at either sunset or sunrise, depending upon our train tickets and travel schedule.

Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan — Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.

Orientation Walk – AgraĀgra
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Local BusĀgra – Jaipur7h
There will be a stop around the half-way point for snacks and toilets.

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.

Admire the city from above by pre-booking the Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.

Amber Fort Guided TourAmber Fort
Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.

Free TimeJaipurAfternoon
Enjoy free time to relax, shop, visit landmarks like the Palace of the Winds or the Jaipur Observatory, or soak up some pop culture at a Bollywood movie.

Ride to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!

If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

Tordi Sagar Local Village TourTordi Sāgar1h
Take a tour of this tiny, tranquil village far from the maddening crowds and enjoy its pastoral settings and local hospitality. Also look at its magnificent red sand dunes.

4x4Jaipur – Tordi Sāgar3h-4h
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

Have a final taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch before travelling to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar — the site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.

4x4Tordi Sāgar – Pushkar4h
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

Pushkar Orientation WalkPushkar1h3km
Explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats in this CEO-led walk.

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!

Savitri Temple Sunrise HikePushkar1h-2h
Climb a hilltop to get to this temple honouring Savitri, the wife of the Hindu god, Brahma. Witness a gorgeous sunrise over this holy place while drinking a warm cup of chai.

Free TimePushkarAfternoon
Enjoy free time to explore town after returning from the sunrise temple climb. Opt to take a yoga class, scour the markets, or relax with a massage.

Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.

TrainPushkar – Udaipur7h-8h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Be prepared for a hot ride today. Bring some snacks and beverages.

Udaipur Orientation WalkUdaipur
Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places.

Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.

Your Discover MomentUdaipurFull Day
There's plenty to see and do in Udaipur, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Monsoon Palace, learning about Rajasthani cuisine with a cooking class, and visiting the Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

Udaipur/Mumbai

Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history. From here, get some rest on an overnight train as you cruise to Mumbai.

Local BusUdaipur – Ahmedabad5h-6h
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Gandhi Ashram VisitAhmedabad
Explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati, once home to Mahatma Gandhi for nearly 12 years.

Basic Overnight Train (beds)Ahmedabad – Mumbai7h-8h
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Arrive in Mumbai and stretch your legs on an orientation walk of Colaba and the Fort district. Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the bustling metropolis; be sure to capture a group photo under the Gateway to India. Opt to take a boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta Island, famous for intricate cave temples carved in rock walls.

In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.

Free TimeMumbaiFull Day
Opt to go on a taxi tour around town, visit Elephanta Island.

Hop on a short morning flight to North Goa. Head to the white sand beaches, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital. In the evening, opt to sample tasty treats at the night market and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.

PlaneMumbai – Goa
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free TimeGoaFull Day
After transferring to the hotel, the day is free to explore the beaches and charming town.

Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group. Enjoy a drink on us and cut a rug.

Free TimeGoaFull Day
Recover from the previous night's festivities or further explore the beaches and markets of charming Goa.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Dance the Night Away
Goa is overflowing with prime nightclubs and bars. Your CEO will take you to the best one to enjoy a drink on us and dance the night away.

Fly to Kochi and explore this major port city of southern India by wandering through the unique neighbourhoods and exciting markets. Opt to visit Fort Kochi, learn how to toss a fishing net, or catch a traditional dance performance, known as Kathakali, telling of mythological tales.

Don't fret if you can't fit all the excitement into one afternoon, you'll get a second chance to experience Kochi when you return in a few days.

Travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.

Private VehicleKochi – Alleppey1h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Alleppey Guided WalkAlleppey1h-2h
Explore the area, known as the "Venice of the East," on foot with a local English-speaking guide and learn about the way of life here.

Your Local Living Moment: Alleppey Homestay
Enjoy a stay with a local family in Alleppey and get a real taste of the culture and what life on the islands is like. Learn how to cook some delicious Kerala dishes and dig in and enjoy the meal after your lesson.

Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.

Alleppey Ferry CruiseAlleppey2h-3h
Enjoy a morning ferry ride through the backwaters, observing the unique ecosystem with blue-green stretches of water and coconut trees.

Local BusAlleppey – Kollam3h
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation With CEO30m-1h
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.

Note that Kollam Harbour is closed to visitors May through June.

Kollam Fishing Docks VisitKollam1h
See where all of the action happens in this busy port city and walk around Kollam's bustling fishing docks.

Neendakara Fishing Harbour VisitKollam
Visit the largest wholesale fishing market and harbour on the Arabian Sea, dating back to the sixteenth century. Take in the sights and sound of a busy fish market at work, and check out the morning's fishing haul.

Private VehicleKollam – Varkala5h-6h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.

Free TimeVarkalaFull Day
Lots of free time to explore the town, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.

Return to Kochi by train and take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife. Enjoy a drink on us and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.

TrainVarkala – Kochi3h30m-4h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation WalkKochi1h-2h
Get to know the delightful city of Kochi through this guided walk. Visit the Dutch Palace and Jewish Quarter, with its 400-year-old synagogue. Explore St Francis Church, the oldest church in India.

Free Time Kochi Afternoon
Visit any sites skipped on the first visit to Kochi.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Kochi Nightlife
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Today is departure day, but do not fear, there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange contacts, and depart at any time.